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ASTORIA, Ore. (Tribune News Service) — The Steadfast, a U.S. Coast Guard cutter that homeports in Astoria, has postponed a scheduled patrol due to a coronavirus outbreak among the crew.

The Coast Guard did not say how many crew members contracted the virus but said the infected individuals are isolating to contain the spread and minimize transmission.

"The protection of our workforce and those we serve remains our highest priority," Lt. Cmdr. Scott Carr, a public affairs officer, said in an email.

"Coast Guard cutter Steadfast's crew closely followed the unit's pandemic plan and multiple steps are being taken to ensure operational readiness is maintained," Carr wrote.

The Steadfast, a 210-foot Reliance-class cutter under the command of the Coast Guard Pacific Area, typically patrols the western waters off North and Central America. The crew focuses on homeland security, search-and-rescue operations, enforcing laws, protecting marine sanctuaries and other missions.

"The science will determine when they're able to safely depart," Carr said in an interview.

Seventy-six people are normally assigned to the cutter, but the Steadfast is operating with additional personnel.

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